Philadelphia

Grades 8 & 9:
Jewish Philadelphia!

Our eighth-grade students focus on understanding and embracing diversity, a central value for them as both Americans and Jews. Our local programming in Sudbury is built around the S.T.O.P: “Students Together Opposing Prejudice,” where they attend a 7-session seminar program together with peers from local churches, synagogue and the Wayland Mosque. They visit one another’s holy places and engage in facilitated dialogue and programming to raise awareness of and respect for our commonalities and differences.

Our weekend trip to Philadelphia highlights the importance of religious liberty in the establishment of Colonial America, and enables students to see the ways in which the Jewish community there built a life for themselves on the foundation of their new American freedoms. We will visit Philadelphia’s Old Jewish Quarter, including its synagogue and cemetery dating back to 1740, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, and explore Philadelphia’s newest interactive museum, The National Museum of American Jewish History.

Why We Joined

"The open and caring environment, the relaxed feel of Friday services, and weekday-only Hebrew School were the best fit for our busy family. It’s a diverse and inclusive congregation, with many interfaith families — something that is very important to us."